City beaches reopen with virus-related restrictions
Beaches across the city will be open this weekend with restrictions in place to keep visitors safe.
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May 23, 2020, 2:45 PM
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Updated 1,850 days ago
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Beaches across the city will be open this weekend with restrictions in place to keep visitors safe.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has put in place a ban on swimming, barbecues, sports games and large gatherings during visits to the beach.
Residents are allowed to sit along the beach and the boardwalk but must practice social distancing.
There will be NYPD officers and 2,300 social distancing ambassadors to ensure rules are being obeyed.
Beaches will close once they hit 50% capacity. Masks will also be handed out at some locations
De Blasio tweeted out a reminder that beaches could close if rules are not followed.
Public advocate Jumanne Williams is concerned with what he calls "police abuse" while enforcing social distancing.
"The city needs a holistic strategy to address social distancing...that does not involve law enforcement" Williams said in a statement. "I am concerned about the city's plan for our beaches, for example, as the Commission of Parks and Recreation noted earlier this week that the NYPD will help enforce rules."
The mayor says one of the reasons he decided to keep beach activities closed is because many people use public transit to get to beaches. Leaders are trying to prevent a lot of people on the trains, as well as in public spaces.
De Blasio also says people can't let their guard down this weekend if they want to go back to the things they love.
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